A ‘use it or lose it’ warning has been issued over a GP surgery taxi service between Boxford and Hadleigh, as residents come to terms with the loss of their local practice.
Villagers have been adjusting following the closure of Boxford Mill Surgery at the end of June, which means patients must now travel to Hadleigh Health Centre for appointments and prescriptions.
Hadleigh Boxford Group Practice (HBGP) opted to consolidate services at its larger town branch, after deeming that the village surgery was no longer viable or fit for purpose.
But, the decision was met with significant opposition in Boxford, amid concerns that those without means of transport would struggle to reach Hadleigh.
In response, the HBGP reached a funding arrangement for a taxi service to Hadleigh, for patients who previously walked to Boxford Surgery and have no other options.
However, this service – delivered in partnership with a local cab company – reportedly did not receive any uptake in its first month.
South Suffolk MP James Cartlidge said: “The closure of the Boxford GP surgery caused considerable concern in the village, with transport for patients being one of my top priorities.
“The teams at Hadleigh and Boxford worked hard to secure free transport for patients to attend appointments, funded by a local charity.
“Unfortunately, the taxi was not used in July and is at risk of being stopped if take-up is too low – so this really is a case of ‘use it or lose it’.”
Anyone in Boxford who needs a taxi to attend a medical appointment in Hadleigh can book a journey by calling David Willis on 07956 782018.
Meanwhile, Hadleigh Health Centre also announced the installation of a new 24/7 prescription collection machine, located in the practice car park.
This seeks to address another concern raised by Boxford residents, by allowing more flexibility in picking up prescriptions.
A statement from the centre confirmed that the physical dispensary will also remain available during normal opening hours.
“This is not an obligatory service, but an option for patients to use to make the collection of your repeat prescription easier, while also having access to prescription collection outside of working hours,” the statement reads.
Published by Suffolk News.
